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I find the biggest problem with Luna is her going from side to side to check out the action, which destabilizes the canoe. It's not a big problem but it's annoying. I'm thinking of laying a mat on top of some of the gear so she can lie down and still see stuff, but her being up high like that will also cause stability problems. This picture is from a daytrip so with less gear it's not that much of a concern.

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Get out a lot to spend time in the boat.
Practice the basics... waiting to get in or out of the boat, sitting or laying down when needed, not being anxious (you or them!)

Create a spot in the boat that is your dog's space. A no gear zone so they can relax.
Put down some non-slip closed cell foam for grip and comfort.

Take lots of shore breaks, watch the sun, and sometimes we use mild bug dope for extreme bugs. (Nation Lakes for the next two months = extreme bugs!)

Our dogs associate our loaded tripping boat with sleeping. That's what they spend most of their time doing while on the water.

Lifejackets of course.
Extra food for them. (just like us)

As well, we try not to let our dogs hang their heads way outside of the gunnels. This makes handling WAY easier and your bow partner will thank you. It can be taught.

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Hey Eryne!
We take our dog Yukon canoe tripping all the time and he loves it.


Here are my tips for you:
Train early (the younger the better).
Never tie your dog to your canoe (if he decides to jump out at least he possibly won't dump you and if you dump he's can swim away from the canoe).
Provide a mat for warmth (we use one of those blue pads) We also place a small bath mat on top so some of the water can drain away from our guy.
Have some shade (we take a small umbrella that we can tie onto the canoe to shade our guy if its really hot).
If you ever plan on doing any ocean paddling, train your dog to wear booties as the barnacles will cut your dog's paws (we discovered this by experience).
Make sure when you do stop for a break to give your dog ample exercise so they are more likely to sleep while you're paddling (we take a ball to throw in the water or on the beach).
Have a water bowl in the canoe so if you can't take a shore break you can at least give him water. That way he won't be trying to lean out and drink from the river/lake.


We took Yukon on our Nation Lakes trip. It's a wonderful, peaceful paddle with so few people. We went 6 days before we even saw anyone else. Is Doug French doing your shuttle? I heard this year is the last year for him. DW2 and friends are doing this trip this year as well. I think they are going in August. Will be looking forward to seeing your trip report. Have fun!

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If you ever want to get out with us and Yukon to take Tilda Swinton paddling, drop me a line via FB. We are always open to more canoeing. )

I've seen some good tips here:
https://www.kurgo.com/blog/dog-boati...y-infographic/